Cicero: In Catilinam IV – Interlinear Latin-English Text

1.

Video, patres conscripti, in me omnium vestrum ora atque oculos esse conversos, video vos non solum de vestro ac rei publicae verum etiam, si id depulsum sit, de meo periculo esse sollicitos. 

I see, Conscript Fathers, that the faces and eyes of you all are turned toward me; I see you are anxious not only about your own and the republic’s danger, but, if that is removed, also about mine. 

Est mihi iucunda in malis et grata in dolore vestra erga me voluntas, sed eam per deos immortalis! deponite atque obliti salutis meae de vobis ac de vestris liberis cogitate. 

Your goodwill toward me in my trouble and your sympathy in my pain are welcome, but for the love of the immortal gods! set it aside and, forgetting my safety, think of yourselves and your children. 

Mihi si haec condicio consulatus data est ut omnis acerbitates, omnis dolores cruciatusque perferrem, feram non solum fortiter verum etiam libenter, dum modo meis laboribus vobis populoque Romano dignitas salusque pariatur. 

If this was the condition of the consulship granted to me—that I must endure all bitterness, all pain and torment—I will bear it not only bravely but gladly, so long as through my labors dignity and safety may be secured for you and for the Roman people. 

Ego sum ille consul, patres conscripti, cui non forum in quo omnis aequitas continetur, non campus consularibus auspiciis consecratus, non curia, summum auxilium omnium gentium, non domus, commune perfugium, non lectus ad quietem datus, non denique haec sedes honoris umquam vacua mortis periculo atque insidiis fuit. 

I am that consul, Conscript Fathers, for whom neither the forum, where all justice is preserved, nor the Campus consecrated by consular auspices, nor the Senate-house, the highest refuge of all nations, nor my home, a general sanctuary, nor the bed granted for rest, nor even this seat of honor, was ever free from danger and plots of death. 

Ego multa tacui, multa pertuli, multa concessi, multa meo quodam dolore in vestro timore sanavi. 

I have kept silent about much, endured much, conceded much, and healed much pain of yours with pain of my own. 

Nunc si hunc exitum consulatus mei di immortales esse voluerunt ut vos populumque Romanum ex caede miserrima, coniuges liberosque vestros virginesque Vestalis ex acerbissima vexatione, templa atque delubra, hanc pulcherrimam patriam omnium nostrum ex foedissima flamma, totam Italiam ex bello et vastitate eriperem, quaecumque mihi uni proponetur fortuna subeatur. 

Now if the immortal gods have willed that this be the outcome of my consulship—that I should rescue you and the Roman people from a most wretched massacre, your wives and children and the Vestal virgins from the bitterest outrage, the temples and shrines and this most beautiful fatherland of us all from foulest fire, and all Italy from war and devastation—then let whatever fate is set before me alone be endured. 

Etenim si P. Lentulus suum nomen inductus a vatibus fatale ad perniciem rei publicae fore putavit, cur ego non laeter meum consulatum ad salutem populi Romani prope fatalem exstitisse? 

Indeed, if Publius Lentulus, persuaded by soothsayers, believed his name fated for the republic’s ruin, why should I not rejoice that my consulship has turned out to be almost fated for the Roman people’s salvation?

2.

Qua re, patres conscripti, consulite vobis, prospicite patriae, conservate vos, coniuges, liberos fortunasque vestras, populi Romani nomen salutemque defendite; mihi parcere ac de me cogitare desinite. 

Therefore, Conscript Fathers, consult for yourselves, look to the fatherland, preserve yourselves, your wives, children, and fortunes, defend the name and safety of the Roman people; cease to spare me and to think about me. 

Nam primum debeo sperare omnis deos qui huic urbi praesident pro eo mihi ac mereor relaturos esse gratiam; deinde, si quid obtigerit, aequo animo paratoque moriar. 

For first, I ought to hope that all the gods who preside over this city will return gratitude to me in proportion to my merit; then, if anything should befall me, I shall die with a calm and ready spirit. 

Nam neque turpis mors forti viro potest accidere neque immatura consulari nec misera sapienti. 

For neither can a disgraceful death befall a brave man, nor an untimely one a consular, nor a wretched one a wise man. 

Nec tamen ego sum ille ferreus qui fratris carissimi atque amantissimi praesentis maerore non movear horumque omnium lacrimis a quibus me circumsessum videtis. 

Nor am I so iron-hearted as not to be moved by the grief of my dearest and most loving brother standing here, and by the tears of all these men by whom you see me surrounded. 

Neque meam mentem non domum saepe revocat exanimata uxor et abiecta metu filia et parvolus filius, quem mihi videtur amplecti res publica tamquam obsidem consulatus mei, neque ille qui exspectans huius exitum diei stat in conspectu meo gener. 

Nor is my mind not often drawn homeward by my terrified wife, my daughter cast down by fear, and my little son, whom the republic seems to embrace as a hostage of my consulship, nor by that son-in-law of mine who stands in my sight awaiting the outcome of this day. 

Moveor his rebus omnibus, sed in eam partem uti salvi sint vobiscum omnes, etiam si me vis aliqua oppresserit, potius quam et illi et nos una rei publicae peste pereamus. 

I am moved by all these things, but only in the direction that they may all be safe with you—even if some force should overwhelm me—rather than that both they and we should perish together in one common ruin of the republic. 

Qua re, patres conscripti, incumbite ad salutem rei publicae, circumspicite omnis procellas quae impendent nisi providetis. 

Therefore, Conscript Fathers, devote yourselves to the safety of the republic; look around at all the storms that threaten if you do not take precautions. 

Non Ti. Gracchus quod iterum tribunus plebis fieri voluit, non C. Gracchus quod agrarios concitare conatus est, non L. Saturninus quod C. Memmium occidit, in discrimen aliquod atque in vestrae severitatis iudicium adducitur: tenentur ei qui ad urbis incendium, ad vestram omnium caedem, ad Catilinam accipiendum Romae restiterunt, tenentur litterae, signa, manus, denique unius cuiusque confessio: sollicitantur Allobroges, servitia excitantur, Catilina arcessitur, id est initum consilium ut interfectis omnibus nemo ne ad deplorandum quidem populi Romani nomen atque ad lamentandam tanti imperi calamitatem relinquatur. 

It is not Tiberius Gracchus, for wishing to be tribune of the plebs a second time, nor Gaius Gracchus, for attempting to stir up the agrarians, nor Lucius Saturninus, for killing Gaius Memmius, that is brought into any danger or under the judgment of your severity: it is those who remained in Rome to set fire to the city, to slaughter all of you, to receive Catiline—these are held; their letters, their seals, their handwriting, and finally the confession of each one is held; the Allobroges are incited, the slaves are stirred up, Catiline is summoned; in short, a plan has been set in motion that, with all citizens slain, no one might remain even to lament the name of the Roman people or to mourn the calamity of so great an empire.

3.

Haec omnia indices detulerunt, rei confessi sunt, vos multis iam iudiciis iudicastis, primum quod mihi gratias egistis singularibus verbis et mea virtute atque diligentia perditorum hominum coniurationem patefactam esse decrevistis, deinde quod P. Lentulum se abdicare praetura coegistis; tum quod eum et ceteros de quibus iudicastis in custodiam dandos censuistis, maximeque quod meo nomine supplicationem decrevistis, qui honos togato habitus ante me est nemini; postremo hesterno die praemia legatis Allobrogum Titoque Volturcio dedistis amplissima. 

All these things the informers reported, the accused confessed, and you yourselves have already judged them by many decisions: first, because you gave me thanks in extraordinary terms and decreed that the conspiracy of desperate men had been revealed by my virtue and diligence; then, because you compelled Publius Lentulus to abdicate his praetorship; then, because you voted that he and the others about whom you judged should be handed over into custody; and most of all, because you decreed a public thanksgiving in my name, an honor granted to no civilian before me; finally, yesterday you gave most ample rewards to the ambassadors of the Allobroges and to Titus Volturcius. 

Quae sunt omnia eius modi ut ei qui in custodiam nominatim dati sunt sine ulla dubitatione a vobis damnati esse videantur. 

All these things are such that those who have been specifically handed over into custody seem to have been condemned by you without any doubt. 

Sed ego institui referre ad vos, patres conscripti, tamquam integrum, et de facto quid iudicetis et de poena quid censeatis. 

But I decided to refer the matter to you, Conscript Fathers, as if it were still undecided, both what you judge concerning the fact and what you think concerning the punishment. 

Illa praedicam quae sunt consulis. 

I will first state those things that belong to the consul. 

Ego magnum in re publica versari furorem et nova quaedam misceri et concitari mala iam pridem videbam, sed hanc tantam, tam exitiosam haberi coniurationem a civibus numquam putavi. 

I had long since seen a great madness at work in the republic, and certain new evils being stirred up and set in motion, but I never thought that such a great, such a destructive conspiracy was being held by citizens. 

Nunc quicquid est, quocumque vestrae mentes inclinant atque sententiae, statuendum vobis ante noctem est. 

Now, whatever the case, and wherever your minds and opinions incline, you must make a decision before nightfall. 

Quantum facinus ad vos delatum sit videtis. 

You see how great a crime has been reported to you. 

Huic si paucos putatis adfinis esse, vehementer erratis. 

If you think that only a few are involved in this, you are greatly mistaken. 

Latius opinione disseminatum est hoc malum; manavit non solum per Italiam verum etiam transcendit Alpis et obscure serpens multas iam provincias occupavit. 

This evil has spread more widely than expected; it has flowed not only through Italy but has also crossed the Alps, and, creeping stealthily, has already seized many provinces. 

Id opprimi sustentando et prolatando nullo pacto potest; quacumque ratione placet celeriter vobis vindicandum est. 

It cannot by any means be suppressed by delaying and postponing; by whatever method you please, you must swiftly take action.

4.

Video duas adhuc esse sententias, unam D. Silani qui censet eos qui haec delere conati sunt morte esse multandos, alteram C. Caesaris qui mortis poenam removet, ceterorum suppliciorum omnis acerbitates amplectitur. 

I see there are two opinions so far: one from Decimus Silanus, who thinks that those who attempted to destroy these things should be punished with death; the other from Gaius Caesar, who removes the penalty of death but embraces all the severities of other punishments. 

Uterque et pro sua dignitate et pro rerum magnitudine in summa severitate versatur. 

Each, both in accordance with his own dignity and the gravity of the matter, speaks with utmost severity. 

Alter eos qui nos omnis, qui populum Romanum vita privare conati sunt, qui delere imperium, qui populi Romani nomen exstinguere, punctum temporis frui vita et hoc communi spiritu non putat oportere atque hoc genus poenae saepe in improbos civis in hac re publica esse usurpatum recordatur. 

One holds that those who attempted to deprive us all, to take the life of the Roman people, to destroy the empire, to extinguish the name of Rome, ought not to enjoy life and this common air even for a moment, and he recalls that this kind of punishment has often been used in this republic against wicked citizens. 

Alter intellegit mortem a dis immortalibus non esse supplici causa constitutam, sed aut necessitatem naturae aut laborum ac miseriarum quietem. 

The other understands that death was not established by the immortal gods as a punishment, but either as a necessity of nature or as a rest from labors and miseries. 

Itaque eam sapientes numquam inviti, fortes saepe etiam libenter oppetiverunt. 

And so wise men have never faced it unwillingly, and brave men often gladly. 

Vincula vero et ea sempiterna certe ad singularem poenam nefarii sceleris inventa sunt. 

Chains, and eternal ones at that, were certainly invented for the unique punishment of monstrous crime. 

Municipiis dispertiri iubet. 

He orders them to be distributed among the municipal towns. 

Habere videtur ista res iniquitatem, si imperare velis, difficultatem, si rogare. 

That measure seems unjust if you command it, and difficult if you request it. 

Decernatur tamen, si placet. 

Let it be decreed nonetheless, if it pleases you. 

Ego enim suscipiam et, ut spero, reperiam qui id quod salutis omnium causa statueritis non putent esse suae dignitatis recusare. 

For I will undertake it, and I hope to find men who will not think it beneath their dignity to carry out what you have decreed for the sake of everyone’s safety. 

Adiungit gravem poenam municipiis, si quis eorum vincula ruperit; horribilis custodias circumdat et dignas scelere hominum perditorum; sancit ne quis eorum poenam quos condemnat aut per senatum aut per populum levare possit; eripit etiam spem quae sola hominem in miseriis consolari solet. 

He adds a heavy penalty for any town that should break the chains; he surrounds them with terrible guards, worthy of the criminals’ wickedness; he decrees that no one may lighten the punishment of those he condemns, neither through the Senate nor the people; he removes even hope, which alone is accustomed to console men in their miseries. 

Bona praeterea publicari iubet; vitam solam relinquit nefariis hominibus: quam si eripuisset, multas uno dolore animi atque corporis et omnis scelerum poenas ademisset. 

Furthermore, he orders their goods to be confiscated; he leaves only life to these wicked men—if he had taken that too, he would have removed by one stroke the many punishments of mind and body and all the penalties for their crimes. 

Itaque ut aliqua in vita formido improbis esset proposita, apud inferos eius modi quaedam illi antiqui supplicia impiis constituta esse voluerunt, quod videlicet intellegebant his remotis non esse mortem ipsam pertimescendam. 

And so, in order that some terror might be held out to the wicked in this life, the ancients wished certain punishments of that kind to be established in the underworld for the impious, evidently understanding that without such fears, death itself was not to be greatly dreaded.

5.

Nunc, patres conscripti, ego mea video quid intersit. 

Now, Conscript Fathers, I see what is at stake for me. 

Si eritis secuti sententiam C. Caesaris, quoniam hanc is in re publica viam quae popularis habetur secutus est, fortasse minus erunt hoc auctore et cognitore huiusce sententiae mihi populares impetus pertimescendi; sin illam alteram, nescio an amplius mihi negoti contrahatur. 

If you follow the opinion of Gaius Caesar—since he has chosen this course in public affairs which is considered popular—perhaps, with him as the author and supporter of this proposal, I will have less to fear from popular agitation; but if you adopt the other, I do not know whether more trouble may be stirred up against me. 

Sed tamen meorum periculorum rationes utilitas rei publicae vincat. 

But still, let the welfare of the republic outweigh any consideration of my personal dangers. 

Habemus enim a Caesare, sicut ipsius dignitas et maiorum eius amplitudo postulabat, sententiam tamquam obsidem perpetuae in rem publicam voluntatis. 

For from Caesar—as his own dignity and the greatness of his ancestors required—we have a proposal that stands as a pledge of his lasting goodwill toward the republic. 

Intellectum est quid interesset inter levitatem contionatorum et animum vere popularem saluti populi consulentem. 

It has become clear what distinguishes the fickleness of rabble-rousers from a truly popular spirit concerned with the people's safety. 

Video de istis qui se popularis haberi volunt abesse non neminem, ne de capite videlicet civium Romanorum sententiam ferat. 

I see that not one of those who wish to be considered champions of the people is absent—evidently to avoid casting a vote on the lives of Roman citizens. 

Is et nudius tertius in custodiam civis Romanos dedit et supplicationem mihi decrevit et indices hesterno die maximis praemiis adfecit. 

Yet that very man, just three days ago, committed Roman citizens to custody, decreed a public thanksgiving in my honor, and yesterday granted the informers the highest rewards. 

Iam hoc nemini dubium est qui reo custodiam, quaesitori gratulationem, indici praemium decrerit, quid de tota re et causa iudicarit. 

Now no one can doubt what judgment he passed on the whole case, when he decreed custody for the accused, gratitude for the investigator, and reward for the informer. 

At vero C. Caesar intellegit legem Semproniam esse de civibus Romanis constitutam; qui autem rei publicae sit hostis eum civem esse nullo modo posse: denique ipsum latorem Semproniae legis iussu populi poenas rei publicae dependisse. 

But Gaius Caesar truly understands that the Sempronian law was established concerning Roman citizens; yet that one who is an enemy of the republic can in no way be considered a citizen: and that the very proposer of the Sempronian law paid the penalty to the republic by order of the people. 

Idem ipsum Lentulum, largitorem et prodigum, non putat, cum de pernicie populi Romani, exitio huius urbis tam acerbe, tam crudeliter cogitarit, etiam appellari posse popularem. 

He likewise does not think that Lentulus himself, a spendthrift and a squanderer, who has schemed so bitterly and so cruelly for the destruction of the Roman people and the ruin of this city, can even be called a man of the people. 

Itaque homo mitissimus atque lenissimus non dubitat P. Lentulum aeternis tenebris vinculisque mandare et sancit in posterum ne quis huius supplicio levando se iactare et in pernicie populi Romani posthac popularis esse possit. 

And so this most gentle and mild man does not hesitate to consign Publius Lentulus to eternal darkness and chains, and he enacts for the future that no one may make a show of mitigating his punishment or thereafter claim to be a champion of the people to the republic’s harm. 

Adiungit etiam publicationem bonorum, ut omnis animi cruciatus et corporis etiam egestas ac mendicitas consequatur. 

He even adds confiscation of property, so that every torment of the soul—and even physical destitution and beggary—may follow.

6.

Quam ob rem, sive hoc statueritis, dederitis mihi comitem ad contionem populo carum atque iucundum, sive Silani sententiam sequi malueritis, facile me atque vos crudelitatis vituperatione populus Romanus liberabit, atque obtinebo eam multo leniorem fuisse. 

Therefore, whether you decide for this measure, you will have given me a companion pleasing and beloved to the people for the assembly, or whether you prefer to follow Silanus’s opinion, the Roman people will easily acquit both me and you of cruelty, and I will prove that it was far more merciful. 

Quamquam, patres conscripti, quae potest esse in tanti sceleris immanitate punienda crudelitas? 

And yet, Conscript Fathers, what cruelty can exist in punishing the monstrosity of such a crime? 

Ego enim de meo sensu iudico. 

For I judge from my own feelings. 

Nam ita mihi salva re publica vobiscum perfrui liceat ut ego, quod in hac causa vehementior sum, non atrocitate animi moveor – quis enim est me mitior? – sed singulari quadam humanitate et misericordia. 

May I so enjoy the republic in safety with you, as I, in being especially vehement in this case, am not moved by savagery of spirit—for who is milder than I?—but by a certain singular humanity and compassion. 

Videor enim mihi videre hanc urbem, lucem orbis terrarum atque arcem omnium gentium, subito uno incendio concidentem. 

For I seem to see this city—the light of the world and the stronghold of all nations—suddenly collapsing in a single blaze. 

Cerno animo sepulta in patria miseros atque insepultos acervos civium, versatur mihi ante oculos aspectus Cethegi et furor in vestra caede bacchantis. 

In my mind’s eye I behold the miserable, unburied heaps of citizens in a ruined homeland; the image of Cethegus and his frenzy reveling in your slaughter flashes before my eyes. 

Cum vero mihi proposui regnantem Lentulum, sicut ipse se ex fatis sperasse confessus est, purpuratum esse huic Gabinium, cum exercitu venisse Catilinam, tum lamentationem matrum familias, tum fugam virginum atque puerorum ac vexationem virginum Vestalium perhorresco, et, quia mihi vehementer haec videntur misera atque miseranda, idcirco in eos qui ea perficere voluerunt me severum vehementemque praebebo. 

But when I imagine Lentulus ruling—as he confessed he had hoped from the fates—Gabinius as his purple-clad minister, and Catiline arriving with an army, I shudder at the thought of mothers weeping, virgins and boys fleeing, and the violation of the Vestal Virgins; and because these things seem to me profoundly wretched and pitiable, I will therefore show myself severe and forceful toward those who sought to bring them about. 

Etenim quaero, si quis pater familias, liberis suis a servo interfectis, uxore occisa, incensa domo, supplicium de servis quam acerbissimum sumpserit, utrum is clemens ac misericors an inhumanissimus et crudelissimus esse videatur? 

Indeed, I ask: if a father of a household, after his children were killed by a slave, his wife murdered, and his house burned, were to exact the bitterest vengeance from his slaves, would he seem merciful and compassionate, or utterly inhuman and cruel? 

Mihi vero importunus ac ferreus qui non dolore et cruciatu nocentis suum dolorem cruciatumque lenierit. 

To me, truly, he would be heartless and iron-hearted who did not ease his own grief and torment with the pain and suffering of the guilty. 

Sic nos in his hominibus qui nos, qui coniuges, qui liberos nostros trucidare voluerunt, qui singulas unius cuiusque nostrum domos et hoc universum rei publicae domicilium delere conati sunt, qui id egerunt ut gentem Allobrogum in vestigiis huius urbis atque in cinere deflagrati imperi conlocarent, si vehementissimi fuerimus, misericordes habebimur; sin remissiores esse voluerimus, summae nobis crudelitatis in patriae civiumque pernicie fama subeunda est. 

So if we act with the utmost severity toward those men who sought to butcher us, our wives, and our children, who tried to destroy each of our homes and this whole seat of the republic, who aimed to plant the Allobroges upon the ashes of this city and the burnt remnants of the empire—we will be judged merciful; but if we choose leniency, we must bear the charge of the greatest cruelty for the ruin of our fatherland and our citizens. 

Nisi vero cuipiam L. Caesar, vir fortissimus et amantissimus rei publicae, crudelior nudius tertius visus est, cum sororis suae, feminae lectissimae, virum praesentem et audientem vita privandum esse dixit, cum avum suum iussu consulis interfectum filiumque eius impuberem legatum a patre missum in carcere necatum esse dixit. 

Unless perhaps someone thought Lucius Caesar—a most brave man and most devoted to the republic—seemed cruel three days ago, when he said that the husband of his sister, a most excellent woman, ought to be put to death while present and listening, and that his own grandfather was killed by order of a consul, and his grandfather’s underage son, sent as an envoy by his father, was executed in prison. 

Quorum quod simile factum, quod initum delendae rei publicae consilium? 

What deed of theirs was similar? What plan did they make to destroy the republic? 

Largitionis voluntas tum in re publica versata est et partium quaedam contentio. 

Back then, a desire for largesse was at play in the republic and some factional rivalry. 

Atque illo tempore huius avus Lentuli, vir clarissimus, armatus Gracchum est persecutus. 

And at that time, Lentulus’s grandfather—a most illustrious man—took up arms and pursued Gracchus. 

Ille etiam grave tum volnus accepit, ne quid de summa rei publicae minueretur; hic ad evertenda fundamenta rei publicae Gallos arcessit, servitia concitat, Catilinam vocat, attribuit nos trucidandos Cethego et ceteros civis interficiendos Gabinio, urbem inflammandam Cassio, totam Italiam vastandam diripiendamque Catilinae. 

That man even received a grievous wound then, lest anything be diminished from the state's integrity; this one summons the Gauls to overturn the foundations of the state, incites the slaves, calls Catiline, assigns us to be murdered by Cethegus, the rest of the citizens to be killed by Gabinius, the city to be set on fire by Cassius, and all Italy to be ravaged and plundered by Catiline. 

Vereamini minus censeo ne in hoc scelere tam immani ac nefando aliquid severius statuisse videamini: multo magis est verendum ne remissione poenae crudeles in patriam quam ne severitate animadversionis nimis vehementes in acerbissimos hostis fuisse videamur. 

I think you should fear less that you seem to have judged too harshly in so monstrous and unspeakable a crime; rather, it is far more to be feared that in sparing punishment we may appear cruel to our country, than that in punishing severely we were too harsh toward the bitterest of enemies.

7.

Sed ea quae exaudio, patres conscripti, dissimulare non possum. 

But what I hear, Conscript Fathers, I cannot conceal. 

Iaciuntur enim voces quae perveniunt ad auris meas eorum qui vereri videntur ut habeam satis praesidi ad ea quae vos statueritis hodierno die transigenda. 

For remarks are being thrown about which reach my ears, from men who seem to fear whether I have sufficient protection to carry out today what you have decreed. 

Omnia et provisa et parata et constituta sunt, patres conscripti, cum mea summa cura atque diligentia tum multo etiam maiore populi Romani ad summum imperium retinendum et ad communis fortunas conservandas voluntate. 

Everything has been foreseen, prepared, and arranged, Conscript Fathers, both with my utmost care and diligence, and with the even greater will of the Roman people to preserve their supreme power and protect our common fortunes. 

Omnes adsunt omnium ordinum homines, omnium denique aetatum; plenum est forum, plena templa circum forum, pleni omnes aditus huius templi ac loci. 

Men of every order are present, indeed of every age; the forum is full, the temples around the forum are full, all approaches to this temple and place are full. 

Causa est enim post urbem conditam haec inventa sola in qua omnes sentirent unum atque idem praeter eos qui, cum sibi viderent esse pereundum, cum omnibus potius quam soli perire voluerunt. 

For since the founding of the city, this is the only cause ever found in which all men thought and felt the same—except for those who, seeing that they had to perish, preferred to perish with everyone rather than alone. 

Hosce ego homines excipio et secerno libenter, neque in improborum civium sed in acerbissimorum hostium numero habendos puto. 

These men I willingly set apart and exclude, and I think they should be counted not among wicked citizens, but among the most bitter enemies. 

Ceteri vero, di immortales! qua frequentia, quo studio, qua virtute ad communem salutem dignitatemque consentiunt! 

But as for the rest—immortal gods!—with what a crowd, with what eagerness, with what courage they unite for our common safety and dignity! 

Quid ego hic equites Romanos commemorem? 

Why should I mention the Roman knights here? 

Qui vobis ita summam ordinis consilique concedunt ut vobiscum de amore rei publicae certent; quos ex multorum annorum dissensione huius ordinis ad societatem concordiamque revocatos hodiernus dies vobiscum atque haec causa coniungit. 

They so concede to you the highest rank and judgment that they now rival you in love for the republic; this day and this cause have reunited them with you after many years of estrangement within the order. 

Quam si coniunctionem in consulatu confirmatam meo perpetuam in re publica tenuerimus, confirmo vobis nullum posthac malum civile ac domesticum ad ullam rei publicae partem esse venturum. 

If we maintain this alliance—strengthened in my consulship—as a permanent one in the state, I assure you that no civil or domestic misfortune will henceforth touch any part of the republic. 

Pari studio defendendae rei publicae convenisse video tribunos aerarios, fortissimos viros; scribas item universos quos, cum casu hic dies ad aerarium frequentasset, video ab exspectatione sortis ad salutem communem esse conversos. 

With equal zeal for defending the republic, I see that the tribunes of the treasury, most valiant men, have gathered; likewise, I see all the clerks, whom this day happened to bring to the treasury, have turned their attention from drawing lots to the common safety. 

Omnis ingenuorum adest multitudo, etiam tenuissimorum. 

The whole body of freeborn citizens is present, even the humblest among them. 

Quis est enim cui non haec templa, aspectus urbis, possessio libertatis, lux denique haec ipsa et commune patriae solum cum sit carum tum vero dulce atque iucundum? 

For who is there to whom these temples, the sight of the city, the possession of liberty, this very light, and the common soil of our fatherland are not dear, and in truth sweet and delightful?

8.  

Operae pretium est, patres conscripti, libertinorum hominum studia cognoscere qui, sua virtute fortunam huius civitatis consecuti, vere hanc suam patriam esse iudicant quam quidam hic nati, et summo nati loco, non patriam suam sed urbem hostium esse iudicaverunt. 

It is worthwhile, Conscript Fathers, to recognize the zeal of freedmen who, having attained the fortune of this state through their own virtue, truly regard this as their fatherland—whereas some born here, and in the highest rank, have judged it not their fatherland but a city of enemies. 

Sed quid ego hosce ordines atque homines commemoro quos privatae fortunae, quos communis res publica, quos denique libertas ea quae dulcissima est ad salutem patriae defendendam excitavit? 

But why do I mention these classes and men, whom their private fortunes, the commonwealth, and finally liberty—most sweet of all—have stirred to defend the safety of the fatherland? 

Servus est nemo, qui modo tolerabili condicione sit servitutis, qui non audaciam civium perhorrescat, qui non haec stare cupiat, qui non quantum audet et quantum potest conferat ad salutem voluntatis. 

There is no slave, provided he is in a tolerable condition of servitude, who does not shudder at the citizens' audacity, who does not wish these things to endure, who does not contribute to the common safety as far as he dares and is able. 

Qua re si quem vestrum forte commovet hoc quod auditum est, lenonem quendam Lentuli concursare circum tabernas, pretio sperare sollicitari posse animos egentium atque imperitorum, est id quidem coeptum atque temptatum, sed nulli sunt inventi tam aut fortuna miseri aut voluntate perditi qui non illum ipsum sellae atque operis et quaestus cotidiani locum, qui non cubile ac lectulum suum, qui denique non cursum hunc otiosum vitae suae salvum esse velint. 

Therefore, if any of you is perhaps alarmed by this report—that a certain pimp of Lentulus is running around the shops, hoping to seduce the minds of the needy and ignorant with money—yes, that was attempted and tried, but no one was found so wretched in fortune or so depraved in will as not to want that very place of his stool, his labor, his daily livelihood, his bed and couch, and indeed this peaceful routine of life to be preserved. 

Multo vero maxima pars eorum qui in tabernis sunt, immo vero – id enim potius est dicendum – genus hoc universum amantissimum est oti. 

Indeed, by far the greater part of those in the shops—or rather, for that is the better way to say it—this entire class is most devoted to peace. 

Etenim omne instrumentum, omnis opera atque quaestus frequentia civium sustentatur, alitur otio; quorum si quaestus occlusis tabernis minui solet, quid tandem incensis futurum fuit? 

For all their tools, all labor and income, are supported by the throng of citizens, are nourished by peace; and if their gain is usually diminished when the shops are closed, what, pray, would have happened if they had been burned? 

Quae cum ita sint, patres conscripti, vobis populi Romani praesidia non desunt: vos ne populo Romano deesse videamini providete. 

Since these things are so, Conscript Fathers, the supports of the Roman people are not lacking to you; see to it that you do not appear to be lacking to the Roman people.

9.  

Habetis consulem ex plurimis periculis et insidiis atque ex media morte non ad vitam suam sed ad salutem vestram reservatum. 

You have a consul who has been preserved from many dangers and plots and from the very midst of death, not for his own life but for your safety. 

Omnes ordines ad conservandam rem publicam mente, voluntate, voce consentiunt. 

All ranks are united in mind, will, and voice to preserve the republic. 

Obsessa facibus et telis impiae coniurationis vobis supplex manus tendit patria communis, vobis se, vobis vitam omnium civium, vobis arcem et Capitolium, vobis aras Penatium, vobis illum ignem Vestae sempiternum, vobis omnium deorum templa atque delubra, vobis muros atque urbis tecta commendat. 

Besieged by the torches and weapons of an impious conspiracy, our common fatherland stretches out its suppliant hands to you, entrusting to you itself, to you the lives of all citizens, to you the citadel and the Capitol, to you the altars of the Penates, to you that eternal fire of Vesta, to you the temples and shrines of all the gods, to you the walls and roofs of the city. 

Praeterea de vestra vita, de coniugum vestrarum atque liberorum anima, de fortunis omnium, de sedibus, de focis vestris hodierno die vobis iudicandum est. 

Moreover, today you must pass judgment concerning your own lives, the lives of your wives and children, the fortunes of all, your homes, your hearths. 

Habetis ducem memorem vestri, oblitum sui, quae non semper facultas datur; habetis omnis ordines, omnis homines, universum populum Romanum, id quod in civili causa hodierno die primum videmus, unum atque idem sentientem. 

You have a leader mindful of you, forgetful of himself—an opportunity not always granted; you have all ranks, all men, the entire Roman people, who, as we see for the first time in a civil crisis today, are of one and the same opinion. 

Cogitate quantis laboribus fundatum imperium, quanta virtute stabilitam libertatem, quanta deorum benignitate auctas exaggeratasque fortunas una nox paene delerit. 

Consider with how great labors the empire was founded, with how great courage liberty was established, with how great divine favor our fortunes were increased and exalted—and how one night nearly destroyed them all. 

Id ne umquam posthac non modo non confici sed ne cogitari quidem possit a civibus hodierno die providendum est. 

It must be ensured today that never again shall such a thing not only be carried out but not even be conceived by citizens. 

Atque haec, non ut vos qui mihi studio paene praecurritis excitarem, locutus sum, sed ut mea vox quae debet esse in re publica princeps officio functa consulari videretur. 

And I have said these things not to stir you, who almost outpace me in zeal, but so that my voice—which ought to lead in the republic—might seem to have fulfilled its consular duty.

10.

Nunc ante quam ad sententiam redeo, de me pauca dicam. 

Now, before I return to the matter of the vote, I will say a few things about myself. 

Ego, quanta manus est coniuratorum, quam videtis esse permagnam, tantam me inimicorum multitudinem suscepisse video; sed eam turpem iudico et infirmam et abiectam. 

I see that I have taken upon myself a number of enemies as great as the band of conspirators—which you see is very large; but I judge them to be base, weak, and despicable. 

Quod si aliquando alicuius furore et scelere concitata manus ista plus valuerit quam vestra ac rei publicae dignitas, me tamen meorum factorum atque consiliorum numquam, patres conscripti, paenitebit. 

But if ever that band, stirred by someone's madness and crime, should prevail more than your dignity and that of the republic, I shall never, Conscript Fathers, regret my deeds and counsels. 

Etenim mors, quam illi fortasse minitantur, omnibus est parata: vitae tantam laudem quanta vos me vestris decretis honestastis nemo est adsecutus; ceteris enim semper bene gesta, mihi uni conservata re publica gratulationem decrevistis. 

For death, which they perhaps threaten, is prepared for all: no one has attained such great praise in life as you have honored me with by your decrees; for to others you have always decreed thanks for successes, but to me alone for saving the republic. 

Sit Scipio clarus ille cuius consilio atque virtute Hannibal in Africam redire atque Italia decedere coactus est, ornetur alter eximia laude Africanus qui duas urbis huic imperio infestissimas Carthaginem Numantiamque delevit, habeatur vir egregius Paulus ille cuius currum rex potentissimus quondam et nobilissimus Perses honestavit, sit aeterna gloria Marius qui bis Italiam obsidione et metu servitutis liberavit, anteponatur omnibus Pompeius cuius res gestae atque virtutes isdem quibus solis cursus regionibus ac terminis continentur: erit profecto inter horum laudes aliquid loci nostrae gloriae, nisi forte maius est patefacere nobis provincias quo exire possimus quam curare ut etiam illi qui absunt habeant quo victores revertantur. 

Let that illustrious Scipio be renowned, by whose counsel and valor Hannibal was forced to return to Africa and depart from Italy; let another Africanus be adorned with great praise, who destroyed Carthage and Numantia, two cities most hostile to our empire; let that exceptional man Paulus be held in honor, whose chariot the most powerful and noble King Perseus once graced; let Marius enjoy eternal glory, who twice freed Italy from siege and the threat of slavery; let Pompey be preferred to all, whose achievements and virtues span the same regions and boundaries as the sun's course: surely, among the praises of these men, there will be some place for my own glory—unless it is somehow a greater feat to open provinces for departure than to ensure the victors have a homeland to return to. 

Quamquam est uno loco condicio melior externae victoriae quam domesticae, quod hostes alienigenae aut oppressi serviunt aut recepti beneficio se obligatos putant, qui autem ex numero civium dementia aliqua depravati hostes patriae semel esse coeperunt, eos, cum a pernicie rei publicae reppuleris, nec vi coercere nec beneficio placare possis. 

Although in one respect the condition of foreign victory is better than domestic, because foreign enemies, when conquered, either submit as slaves or, if spared, feel bound by favor; but those who, corrupted by some madness, have once begun to be enemies of their fatherland from among the citizens, once repelled from destroying the republic, can neither be restrained by force nor reconciled by kindness. 

Qua re mihi cum perditis civibus aeternum bellum susceptum esse video. 

Therefore I see that I have undertaken an eternal war with these lost citizens. 

Id ego vestro bonorumque omnium auxilio memoriaque tantorum periculorum, quae non modo in hoc populo qui servatus est sed in omnium gentium sermonibus ac mentibus semper haerebit, a me atque a meis facile propulsari posse confido. 

With your help and that of all good men, and with the memory of such great dangers—which will cling not only in this saved people but also in the speech and minds of all nations—I am confident that I and mine can easily repel this war. 

Neque ulla profecto tanta vis reperietur quae coniunctionem vestram equitumque Romanorum et tantam conspirationem bonorum omnium confringere et labefactare possit. 

And surely no force will ever be found so great as to shatter and undermine your union with the Roman knights and the united will of all good men.

11.

Quae cum ita sint, pro imperio, pro exercitu, pro provincia quam neglexi, pro triumpho ceterisque laudis insignibus quae sunt a me propter urbis vestraeque salutis custodiam repudiata, pro clientelis hospitiisque provincialibus quae tamen urbanis opibus non minore labore tueor quam comparo, pro his igitur omnibus rebus, pro meis in vos singularibus studiis proque hac quam perspicitis ad conservandam rem publicam diligentia nihil a vobis nisi huius temporis totiusque mei consulatus memoriam postulo: quae dum erit in vestris fixa mentibus, tutissimo me muro saeptum esse arbitrabor. 

Since these things are so, for the sake of the power, for the army, for the province I neglected, for the triumph and other marks of praise which I have rejected because of my guardianship of the city and your safety, for the provincial clienteles and hospitia which I protect with no less effort with my urban resources than I acquire them—for all these things, therefore, for my extraordinary zeal for you, and for this diligence you perceive in preserving the republic, I ask nothing from you but the memory of this time and of my entire consulship: as long as this is fixed in your minds, I will consider myself surrounded by the safest wall. 

Quod si meam spem vis improborum fefellerit atque superaverit, commendo vobis parvum meum filium, cui profecto satis erit praesidi non solum ad salutem verum etiam ad dignitatem, si eius qui haec omnia suo solius periculo conservarit illum filium esse memineritis. 

But if the power of wicked men should deceive and overcome my hope, I commend to you my small son, who will surely have enough protection not only for his safety but also for his dignity, if you remember that he is the son of the man who preserved all these things at his own sole risk. 

Quapropter de summa salute vestra populique Romani, de vestris coniugibus ac liberis, de aris ac focis, de fanis atque templis, de totius urbis tectis ac sedibus, de imperio ac libertate, de salute Italiae, de universa re publica decernite diligenter, ut instituistis, ac fortiter. 

Therefore, regarding your supreme safety and that of the Roman people, regarding your wives and children, regarding your altars and hearths, regarding your shrines and temples, regarding the roofs and homes of the whole city, regarding empire and liberty, regarding the safety of Italy, regarding the entire republic, decide diligently, as you have begun, and bravely. 

Habetis eum consulem qui et parere vestris decretis non dubitet et ea quae statueritis, quoad vivet, defendere et per se ipsum praestare possit. 

You have a consul who will not hesitate to obey your decrees and who, as long as he lives, can defend and personally guarantee what you have decided.